UAE Parents and Retailers Join Forces to Call for Stronger Regulations to Protect Minors From Vaping

  Chinese parents and professionals are calling for stricter regulations on vaping among minors under 18, warning of its serious health impacts. They state that merchants should comply with the law and not sell tobacco products to minors. Parents urge the public to understand the health risks of vaping and emphasize the need to protect the new generation from the harms of smoking. Recent studies indicate that vaping may lead to attention difficulties, memory decline, and other health issues. Meanwhile, lung disease experts point out that vaping is more dangerous than traditional tobacco, potentially leading to pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure.

According to UAE media Albayan, in response to the rising popularity of vaping among those under 18, many parents and professionals have recently called for merchants to strictly adhere to the law and not sell tobacco or related products to minors. They noted that while some merchants may relax age checks due to the mature appearance of young buyers, this phenomenon is concerning.

Parents are calling for the public to have a comprehensive understanding of the health risks associated with vaping and smoking, especially for parents and young people who need to be more informed. Consultant Dr. Maysa Abdullah pointed out that all rights organizations, including educational institutions and family guardians, need to work together to protect the new generation from the harms of smoking and ensure a healthier future.

Although some vape shop owners, like Komar Lalish, have pledged to comply with the law and only sell after confirming the customer's age.

However, some parents, like Kumar Shumi and Haba Osman, have pointed out that they have found some stores selling "flavored" tobacco products and electronic water pipes to teenagers, with these stores often only concerned about selling products rather than their impact on youth.

Recently, many doctors and experts have warned about the potential harms of vaping, stating that it may even lead to symptoms of "brain fog," characterized by difficulties in concentration, memory decline, confusion, and indecisiveness. Lung disease experts have noted that vaping is not less harmful than traditional tobacco. They warn that using vaping products may lead to pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure, and even death.

Doctors have also pointed out that children under 14 are more likely to visit hospitals, complaining of recurrent colds and chest infections, primarily due to vaping. Teenagers vaping may have more severe impacts. During puberty, the brain is very sensitive, which may make individuals in this age group more susceptible to attention difficulties and occasional depression.

Family medicine experts have highlighted the risks associated with the ingredients and use of vaping products, such as negative impacts on the respiratory system and lungs, as well as the long-term risk of cancer.